Are type II (branch vessel) endoleaks really benign?

Ann Vasc Surg. 2002 Jan;16(1):50-4. doi: 10.1007/s10016-001-0126-4. Epub 2002 Jan 16.

Abstract

The natural history and clinical significance of type II or branch vessel endoleaks following endovascular aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair remain unclear. Some investigators have suggested that these endoleaks have a benign course and outcome and that they can be safely observed. The purpose of this study was to document the natural history and outcome of all type II endoleaks that have occurred following endovascular AAA repair at our institution. A review of a prospectively compiled database of all endovascular AAA repairs performed at our institution was performed. From this review, we determined that type II endoleaks appear to have a relatively benign course, with a reasonable chance of spontaneously sealing within a 2-year period. No cases of rupture or aneurysm enlargement were documented in patients with open type II leaks. However, almost one-third of the patients did not manifest a type II leak until after their initial CT scan. The implications of such a "delayed" leak are unclear. Careful follow-up remains mandatory in patients with type II endoleaks to better define outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty / adverse effects*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / complications
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / epidemiology*
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome